Town Hall this Saturday: Q&A with Coyotes COO Mike Nealy, GM Don Maloney, and Head Coach Dave Tippett

The Coyotes have asked me to invite all Coyotes Coalition members out for a Town Hall they are hosting this weekend at Jobing.com Arena.

Please see the flyer below for additional information and hopefully we'll see you there!

There's really nothing quite like the smell of fresh ice...

I love that first trip to the arena as the preseason is getting ready to kick off. There's really nothing quite like the smell of fresh ice after a long, hot summer.

The rookies looked great - and the place was packed! Which is unusual for the first day of rookie camp. There was an air of enthusiasm at Jobing.com Arena - the fans are optimistic and excited about the season - even if the outlook at the moment isn't the brightest. Hockey is taking a turn in the desert - a turn for the better.

This sound is my favorite. The sound of their skates as skid to turn around when they participate in this drill. Coincidentally - my hockey playing friends tell me it is the most hated of the drills - because it is rather difficult. But I still love that sound...

Bring on the season!!!

P.S. Don't mind my horrid camera skillz - and the commentary in the background.... :D

Minsk tribute to Lokomotiv hockey players killed Wednesday in plane crash (video)

I have no words...

For the second time in a week - I am left speechless over a senseless tragedy. This tragedy is of epic proportions - and adds on to an already troubling off season for the hockey world. International Ice Hockey Federation president Rene Fasel said today was the darkest day in the history of our sport - and I say I must - unfortunately - agree.

"Despite the substantial air travel of professional hockey teams, our sport has been spared from tragic traffic accidents, but only until now. This is the darkest day in the history of our sport. This is not only a Russian tragedy, the Lokomotiv roster included players and coaches from ten nations...”

To those who lost their lives today - may you rest in peace.

To their families, friends and fans - may you find peace in this troubling time.

{via}

There are many things that I want to say right now...

But there are no words that can adequately describe what I am feeling - so I will keep this short...

We have now lost three amazing men this summer. 

Men who were dedicated to their fans, the NHL and the teams they played for. 

Most importantly - they were husbands, sons, fathers, brothers, lovers, friends, grandchildren...

My heart breaks for the families of Derek Boogaard, Rick Rypien and now Wade Belak.

Their families, friends, fans and the NHL as a whole is left with a void that can't be filled. 

I mourn the lives they had ahead of them - the additional people they could have impacted - and the broken hearts they've left behind. 

"Gone too soon" is an understatement.